If you are arrested in Michigan for driving under the influence, or OWI, your driver’s license will likely be confiscated due to DUI Michigan laws. However, a Michigan OWI attorney can help you keep your license while your case is pending by obtaining a restricted or hardship license. It is crucial to seek legal advice promptly to navigate this difficult time effectively.
When an officer confiscates your license, they will destroy the plastic driver’s license and replace it with a paper one that looks much like your regular license but lacks your photo. This paper license is called a DI-177, or Breath Blood or Urine Report Michigan Temporary Driving Permit. It is valid until you are either convicted of the OWI or your case gets dismissed. If you refuse a breath or blood test, the police will prepare a form known as a DI-9 or Report of Refusal. This is a temporary driver’s permit that allows you to drive, but it will only be valid for 14 days or until you win your appeal hearing regarding the refusal charge. Navigating these temporary measures is part of managing a DUI Michigan case.
Suspension or Revocation of Your License
Having your driver’s license suspended or revoked can have serious implications for your day-to-day life, particularly when it comes to managing your work and personal responsibilities. A first conviction of OWI or OWVI typically results in a 30 to 90-day suspension. However, if this is your second or third DUI conviction within seven years, it will be a two to five-year revocation. The penalties under DUI Michigan laws are stringent and impactful.
You may be able to get your license back after the suspension is over by paying a reinstatement fee and meeting certain conditions, such as installing an ignition interlock device in any vehicle that you drive. An experienced Michigan OWI attorney can review your case and explain all of your options when it comes to keeping your driving privileges. Understanding the reinstatement process is crucial for anyone dealing with DUI Michigan penalties.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
In addition to alcohol, Michigan law also punishes drivers for driving under the influence of prescription drugs or illegal drugs. Driving under the influence of any substance, including marijuana or methamphetamine, is against the law in the state of Michigan. This broad scope of DUI Michigan laws ensures all forms of impaired driving are addressed.
A Michigan OWI lawyer can help you understand the penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or prescription drugs. In many cases, it is possible to get your license back after a short-term suspension or revocation by arguing that the drugs or marijuana are not intoxicating you. These defenses require a deep understanding of DUI Michigan laws and medical evidence.
Your Michigan OWI lawyer will help you understand how important it is to fight for your rights if you are arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of any type of substance. Our office has extensive experience defending clients against charges of OWI and other serious driving offenses in the state. We are dedicated to guiding you through this challenging time, protecting your freedom and future. Contact our office today for the legal help you need. Managing a DUI Michigan charge effectively can make a significant difference in your life.
Whether you were driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and caused an accident that injured someone, or you were in an accident that killed someone, drunk driving can carry serious consequences for both the person who is arrested and their loved ones. This is why it’s crucial to always use a designated driver or rideshare service, and to not get behind the wheel when you’ve been drinking. Understanding DUI Michigan laws can help you navigate these challenging situations.
Michigan DUI laws have strict penalties that can result in jail time, heavy fines, and license sanctions for a conviction. However, the good news is that the vast majority of first-time offenders are not going to go to jail. Instead, most courts will order probation, an alcohol program, and impose large fines for the driver. It is also likely that the driver will be ordered to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. Adhering to DUI Michigan regulations can help mitigate some of these penalties.
In the event of an OWI arrest, the driver may be issued a DI-177 or a “Breath Blood or Urine Report Michigan Temporary Driving Permit.” This document will allow the driver to continue driving (with restrictions) until they are convicted of an OWI or their case is dismissed. These temporary permits are a common part of handling a DUI Michigan case.
The burden of proof in a DUI case is on the prosecution. The prosecutor must prove to a judge or jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused driver committed the offense of OWI. This is why having an experienced, reputable DUI attorney on your side is so important. A lawyer skilled in DUI Michigan defense can be invaluable in challenging the evidence against you.
If you’re arrested for DUI, the court will set a date for an arraignment. This is the hearing where you’ll be read the formal charges against you and then have the opportunity to enter a plea. If you decide to plead guilty or no contest, the judge will then set a sentencing hearing. Navigating these court procedures is crucial in a DUI Michigan case.
It’s essential to remember that if you are pulled over by police, you have to comply with their requests to the letter. This includes taking a chemical test to measure your BAC level if the officer has lawful probable cause to believe that you’re under the influence. It’s also a crime to refuse a post-arrest chemical BAC test, and this can lead to a one-year license suspension in addition to any other DUI penalties that you might face. These requirements are stringent under DUI Michigan laws.
Having the help of an experienced DUI defense lawyer in Michigan can greatly reduce the likelihood of you being found guilty of a DUI. A knowledgeable lawyer can investigate the actions of the police officer during your traffic stop and ensure that they acted lawfully at all times. If they did not, it could lead to the dismissal of your case or significant reduction in your penalties. This is why it’s so important to hire an attorney as soon as possible. Contact a skilled lawyer about your case to provide you with the vital information and support you need during this challenging time.
A conviction for drunk driving in Michigan can have serious consequences that impact a person’s career, social life, and family. Depending on the severity of the case, a DUI Michigan can result in heavy fines, jail time, and probation requirements. In some cases, a conviction can even trigger mandatory ignition interlock device use.
A person facing DUI Michigan charges should be aware of the following information before their court date in order to make wise decisions about how they are going to navigate the criminal process.
Can I drive after a Michigan DUI?
Most people who have been charged with DUI Michigan are asked this question after they have been arrested and processed by the police. The person is taken to the local courthouse and arraigned unless they have hired an attorney who has waived their appearance. At arraignment, the person is informed of the charge against them, advised of their rights, and a bond amount may be set.
A first-offense drunk driving conviction in Michigan carries serious penalties, including a maximum of 93 days in jail, a $500 fine, alcohol and drug evaluation, and a 30-day driver’s license suspension followed by 150 days of restricted driving. In addition, a DUI Michigan conviction will result in six points being added to the individual’s driver’s record. A first-offense DUI with a high blood alcohol content (BAC) will also result in having the vehicle impounded for up to 3 years unless it is forfeited.
Some courts will automatically sentence a person to jail for a first-offense DUI if they have two prior DUIs within seven years or a BAC over 0.17%. In other cases, a judge will allow a person to avoid jail by agreeing to probation and attendance at alcohol treatment classes and imposing heavy fines and license sanctions. Understanding these varying penalties under DUI Michigan law is crucial.
The limited time that is allotted to the investigation of a drunk driving case in Michigan makes it critical for individuals to hire an experienced Michigan DUI attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help to build a comprehensive defense strategy and collect all of the necessary evidence quickly. The sooner the attorney is on board, the more time they will have to prepare to fight the case.
An experienced attorney can provide crucial guidance and defense in DUI Michigan cases, ensuring the best possible outcome for the accused.
Paul J Tafelski, Michigan Defense Law | Criminal Attorney and DUI Lawyer
2525 S Telegraph Rd suite 100, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, United States
(248) 451-2200